yi le ŋutifafa me
The Ewe phrase for 'rest in peace' is yi le ŋutifafa me.
This phrase is used as a blessing or an expression of hope for the deceased, similar to the English 'Rest in Peace'.
Meaning: blessing or expression of hope (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down as follows: ŋutifafa means 'peace', me is a preposition meaning 'in' or 'inside' and the full expression yi le ŋutifafa me literally translates to 'stay in peace' or 'remain in peace'.
Did you know?
- While yi le ŋutifafa me is a solemn blessing, the root word fafa is also used in everyday greetings to wish someone a peaceful and smooth day.
- In many Ewe-speaking communities, people often prefer to say 'the deceased has gone to meet the ancestors' rather than focusing on the state of 'rest'.
- Because 'peace' in Ewe is often linked to social harmony and the absence of conflict, telling a dead person to 'stay in peace' is an invocation for them to remain undisturbed by the living.
Example conversation
Akosua and Selorm are attending a funeral together.
- AkosuaEƒe agbe wòdzɔ lɔ̃le.His life was very short.
- SelormƐnyenya, yi le ŋutifafa me.It is true, may he rest in peace.
- AkosuaMíadzra nu be wòayi le ŋutifafa me.We will pray that he rests in peace.
- SelormAmen, Selorm ɖoa go.Amen, Selorm agrees.
